Brunei Oil Industry Secures World-first Safety Standard

 

Following the Bruneian government’s undertaking to put around 3,000 front line worksite supervisors through the OPITO global standard for health and safety training earlier this year, the country has now set a deadline of November 2017 to roll IMIST out to people in this role.

 

IMIST was launched by not-for-profit industry safety organization OPITO in 2011 to enhance workforce safety and competence by providing a comprehensive and consistent level of training across the world. The standard ensures that workers – no matter where they are based or who they are employed by - have the necessary safety awareness and training to reduce risk and minimise the potential for incidents.

 

Used by oil and gas companies in almost 50 countries around the world, Brunei is the first in the region to introduce its use for workers engaged in exploration and production activities.

 

Steve England Head of HSSE at the Energy and Industry Department Prime Minister’s Office said: “The energy sector is a core driver of Brunei’s economy. It accounts for more than 60 percent of Brunei’s GDP. In line with our National Vision 2035 to have sustainable energy for Brunei Darussalam’s prosperity, we aim to boost the skills of Bruneians to achieve the vision’s goals. The introduction of this first phase of minimum HSE standards is the beginning of our (HSSE’s) commitment towards that vision.

 

“The Bruneian government has undertaken to put approximately 3,000 front line worksite supervisors through the OPITO global standard for health and safety training. We have set a deadline of November 2017 to roll IMIST out to its entire oil and gas front line worksite supervisor workforce.”

 

Delivered in classroom and digital learning format, three already approved invigilation centers will now provide the training to industry: Mahkota Maju Sdn Bhd, Brunei LNG and Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd with more to follow.

 

David Doig, chief executive officer of OPITO Group said: “Every worker has the right to go to work and return safely at the end of the day. Our mission is to support the global oil and gas industry to build a sustainable, competent and safe workforce and to ensure that quality, innovation and partnership underpin everything that we do.

 

“IMIST provides uniformity in training and ensures that everyone, regardless of their employer, role or discipline, has the same basic safety understanding and can perform their role to the same standard. We have worked closely with the Brunei Government on the implementation of IMIST and firmly believe their commitment will set a precedent in terms of how energy-producing nations train their workforce.”

 

A unique, not-for-profit organization, OPITO is wholly owned by the oil and gas industry and is responsible for ensuring it has a safe, skilled and competent workforce. With operation centers in Aberdeen, Dubai, Cyprus, Kuala Lumpur and Houston, OPITO standards, qualifications and workforce development frameworks are currently used by employers in over 45 countries worldwide.